How Sara Cox Raises £1 Million for BBC Children in Need Challenge

Sara Cox, the eminent host of BBC Radio 2, marks an incredible achievement in her fundraising for the BBC Children in Need 2025 appeal. Her commitment and effort in the Great Northern Marathon Challenge raised over £1 million. This challenge included a 135-mile, five-day trek from Kielder Forest to Pudsey, Leeds. This undertaking became a passion for many of her listeners to support the fundraising campaign, contributing to the appeal to put Children in Need. 

Sara’s fundraising campaign was a passion, a challenge, and a breathtaking journey that took place over five days from November 10, 2025. The diverse terrain of Northumberland, Durham, North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire was crossed by her walking, jogging, and running. The challenge, while physically exhausting, demonstrated her commitment to the fundraising effort for her appeal. 

How Sara Cox Raised £1 Million for BBC Children in Need

Sara was in tears thanking the supporters of her fundraising effort when Scott Mills announced the news live on air on BBC Radio 2.

Sara couldn’t contain her excitement when she exclaimed, “Oh my god! We’ve done a million! That’s massive, thank you… You have completely broken me, everyone who has donated.” Despite the difficult weather and the exhausting physical strain, she was committed to finishing the journey for Pudsey, the show’s beloved mascot. 

Sara Cox’s Fundraising Journey and Support From Radio 2 Family

Sara’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge has received support from several presenters and celebrities at Radio 2. Vernon Kay, who co-hosts Radio 2’s morning show, has been especially supportive of Sara and has been encouraging listeners to donate to her cause. 

Paddy McGuinness, who raised more than £10 million for Children in Need in 2024 with his Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge, was also supportive of Sara’s efforts. He remarked, “People power is what gets you through. Support Sara as much as you can—it’s so important.”   

Support for Sara extends beyond the Radio 2 family with listeners, fans, and local communities joining her on sections of her route, and cheering her on from a distance.

What is BBC Children in Need? 

Established in 1980, BBC Children in Need is the UK's largest children's charity, aiming to support the needs of disadvantaged children and the young. The annual charity campaign raises millions of pounds through various spectacular fundraising events, challenges, and donations, funding initiatives to improve the lives of children around the UK.

Sara Cox’s marathon is one of the most ambitious fundraising challenges in the history of BBC Radio 2. This year's fundraising efforts are a continuation of the rapid response to the challenging situations many families are facing. 

How Much has Sara Cox Raised for BBC Children in Need? 

Sara Cox’s challenge has surpassed a million pounds, and for recent history, she is one of the most successful individual fundraisers for Children in Need. Donations for her challenge are still open on the official fundraising site for BBC Children in Need, and Sara is completing her fundraising challenge for a special BBC One documentary.  

Who are Vernon Kay and Paddy McGuinness?  

Vernon Kay - UK television and radio presenter, known for hosting the BBC Radio 2 morning show. Described as one of the most positive and humorous people in the radio industry, Vernon is a big children’s charity advocate and supports many charity initiatives with a media influence.

Paddy McGuinness: Along with Sara Cox, Paddy is another well known personality on BBC Radio 2. He is also known for completing fundraising activities like last year’s Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for Children in Need in which he raised £10.3 million.

Sara Cox Net Worth 2025  

Sara Cox is a well known radio and television personality. As at 2025, her net worth is £6 million. This is as a result of her long career at the BBC, hosting primetime radio and television shows, her various brand endorsements and other media projects. She has also become known for her charity work which in turn has increased her public profile, fans and her charity work, particularly the Children in Need challenge, has been highly praised.  

How to Support Sara Cox and BBC Children in Need 2025  

To support Sara Cox fundraising efforts, you can donate by texting, online, or participating in your own challenges. Donations help and transform the lives of children facing hardships throughout the UK.  

• Text donations: Send an amount written as TEN, TWENTY, or THIRTY to 70710.  
• Online donations: Visit bbc.co.uk/childreninneed or bbc.co.uk/pudsey to pledge your support.  

Every donation is highly appreciated and helps in the funding of various services for children in need which include mental health support, education and emergency aid.